Stacey watched from the window excitedly. She loved this type of romantic gesture. When Zane was done, he now had a new gown for her – this one sparkling pink.
“I love it,” Stacey said, graciously accepting his gift. “Just love it.”
She stepped out into the cold and Zane helped her get into it. He zipped up her back and kissed her neck passionately. Stacey kissed him back. Their lips were near inseparable. It was a wonderful feeling.
“Come on,” Zane said. “It’s too cold for us out here.”
They returned to the car and Stacey got in the passenger side next to Zane.
The doors closed. Locked. Zane revved the engine.
“So where to now?” Stacey asked. “Do you know somewhere we can stay?”
“Actually,” Zane replied, “I was hoping you might know somewhere.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, you must have some friends around here, right?”
“Uh…”
“It’s okay if you don’t.”
Stacey did have friends. Friends she could maybe even stay with. But she was worried. Bringing Zane along was going to raise a lot of questions.
And Zane could get really mad when asked the wrong question.
“There is someone,” Stacey began, “that I can call. My best friend, Jasmine. She’s only a quarter of an hour away.”
“Should we stop by then?”
“The thing is … Master … you have to promise you won’t cause any trouble at her place.”
Zane looked at her carefully.
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Well, you are at times, easily upset,” Stacey replied.
“I’ll be on my best behavior,” he said. “Dragon’s honor.”
“Is that even a thing?”
“You’d be surprised how little that word means to some humans.”
“Okay…”
“Look, I’m not going to do anything. We’ll go in there. Sit around. Talk for a bit. Then we’ll go to bed.”
“What happens after that?”
“Well, wherever the mood takes us,” Zane chuckled.
“I meant in the morning, doofus.”
Zane blinked. “We still need to find the portal. It’s the only way to the other world. The only chance I have at clearing my name.”
“So we’re not going to run and be free? Even though the clan isn’t after us?”
“My brother was a fool to think I would ever do that.”
“But we have a chance to live in peace together. Why do you need to go back to chasing after them? Why do you need to prove anything?”
“Dragon’s honor,” Zane said quietly.
“But what if you fail?”
Zane sighed deeply. He took Stacey’s hand.
Held it tightly.
“All I have to do is find the true Horatio Hurux. Or at least evidence that he was replaced. A conspiracy this big – it shouldn’t be hard to find a crack somewhere. I’ll be restored to my command on the Island at the very least. Then we can live there, where no humans will bother us ever again.”
“I don’t care about the Island,” Stacey said. “I just care about you.”
“I’m sorry, Blossom. Without the Island, without the clan, without my honor, there is no me.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Jasmine Whiley lived in a tidy, three bedroom house located in a suburb on the other side of the inner city’s bridge. The history between Stacey and Jasmine was a little trouble for various reasons, but on the day of her arrest, Jasmine had been the first one to come out and speak on her defense. Since her conviction though, she of course hadn’t spoken to Jasmine, and was apprehensive as to how she would take her sudden appearance.
Sitting next to Zane in the car as they passed over the bridge, Stacey couldn’t help but wonder if going to Jasmine was a bad idea. Not just because of what Zane might do, but of what Jasmine might. Through all the years of friendship they’d been through, there was nothing to suggest that Jasmine would betray them at their hour of need. Or … that they wouldn’t be able to handle it if she did.
Still, Stacey was anxious. She guessed the only way to know if her friend was on her side was to watch her eyes when they first met. They would tell her everything she needed to know.
Zane seemed less worried. Perhaps that was because he didn’t feel challenged in the human environment, and he may even have been looking forward to meeting one of Stacey’s friends. Stacey realized that as deep as the connection she shared with Zane was – there were still a million things she hadn’t told him.
“How well do we know each other?” Stacey murmured as they descended the bridge.
“What?”
“I mean our histories. The people in our lives. What happened before. We haven’t really talked about everything. There’s so much about you I don’t know…”
“Well, ask me something.”
“Oh. Um…”
“Whatever you want.”
Stacey had a think. “Where were you born? Here on earth or –”
“The otherworld. I was transported here when I was eighteen.”
“Is that when you went to the Island?”
“Yes. I was a new addition to the clan and I had to work my way up. My brother was already there and went on to become Commander of the Guard, so that was a big help.”
“Do you ever miss your home? The otherworld?”
“The Island is my home now.”
Stacey nodded silently. She saw the next turn was coming up. “Make a right here.”
A few minutes later they were parked outside Jasmine’s house. The blinds were drawn but Stacey could see the lights were on so someone was home.
Jasmine’s car was parked in the drive.
“Can you wait here first?” Stacey asked Zane.
“Why?”
“I don’t want to like, bombard her. I’ll only be a minute.”
“Okay. Come here then.”
Stacey leaned forward and let Zane kiss her lips. She let out a sigh and pressed her forehead against him.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “Everything is going to be okay.”
“I hope so,” Stacey whispered back.
She got out of the car and started heading up the drive.
She prayed Jasmine was alone tonight.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Oh my God, Stacey! Wow! What are you doing here?”
Jasmine excitedly put her arms around Stacey, squealing in delight.
“Look at you!” she continued before Stacey could get a word in. “What is this you’re wearing?”
“Um… If you just give me a chance to explain –”
“Sure! Come in!”
She grabbed Stacey by the wrist and dragged her inside. They wound up in the kitchen.
“Want something to drink?”
“Okay,” Stacey said. “But first talk.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Jasmine gushed. “Have a seat.”
The pair sat down opposite one another at a circular table in the centre of the kitchen.
“So what the hell happened?” Jasmine asked. “Did you escape or something?”
“Well, you know how I went to live with the dragons…?”
“I heard. Did you actually go to the Island?”
“I did.”
“Wow. What was it like?”
“It was okay. They weren’t that scary when you got to meet them up close.”
“Did you actually see any of them turn into dragons?”
Stacey nodded.
“Unbelievable,” Jasmine laughed. “That’s amazing.”
“Yeah. Just calm down a moment, okay?”
“Okay. I’m calm.”
“I have my … Dragon Master … outside in the car. We were wondering if we could stay here tonight.”
Jasmine opened and closed her eyes. “Are you kidding? Of course you guys can stay. Invite him inside.”
“So you’re cool with it. You’
re not going to tell the cops or anything that we’re here.”
“Why would I do that?”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to know who you can trust with this stuff.”
“Well, I’m trustworthy.”
“Great.” They got up from their seats. “So there’s no one else here right?”
“No. Not at the moment.”
“No one else dropping by?”
“Don’t worry, you’ll be safe here,” Jasmine chuckled.
Stacey pinched her lips together. She stepped outside the house and waved to Zane in the car.
“That him?” Jasmine asked, standing next to her.
“Yeah.”
“Ooh. He’s hot.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Wow, he really is hot. You’re doing well aren’t you?”
“Please don’t upset him,” Stacey said quietly. “He’s very sensitive.”
“Really?”
Zane approached them slowly. He stared Jasmine up and down, and then began to extend his hand.
Jasmine grabbed it and shook it hard. “Hello, hello.”
“Hello,” Zane returned.
“Forget your shirt?”
Zane shot Stacey a glance.
“Your girlfriend told me all about you. You’re like a dragon, right?”
“Right.”
“Well, don’t be shy. Come on in.”
The three of them entered the house. They proceeded into the kitchen.
“Look, before we do another thing,” Jasmine went on, “I must feel your chest.”
“Excuse me?” Zane muttered.
“You are so ripped. I’ve never seen a chest like this in real life. It’s fucking awesome. Just let me feel it.”
Jasmine’s eyes moved from Zane to Stacey. “You don’t mind, do you?”
Stacey shook her head.
Jasmine put her fingers to Zane’s chest and wiped her hands all over. “Just beautiful,” she said, almost drooling.
“Would you like me to feel your chest now?” Zane asked.
Jasmine removed her hands. “Now, that’s not very gentleman-like of you.”
“Because you wouldn’t like it?”
Jasmine licked her lips. “I don’t know.”
“Can I speak to you a moment, Jasmine?” Stacey spoke up.
“Sure, what is it?”
“In private.” Stacey grabbed her hand and dragged her into the lounge.
Once there, Jasmine’s hands went to her waist. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Can you not flirt with him? Please?”
“I was not flirting! He was the one who said he wanted to feel my chest –”
“Jesus Jasmine!” Stacey hissed. “Just let him alone. I told you he’s sensitive. You’ll set him off.”
“Alright, alright, don’t wet your pants. I’ll behave.”
“Thank you.”
They returned to the kitchen. Zane was seated.
“Sorry if I offended you,” Jasmine said. “As you can tell, I’m a little bit of a loud person.”
“No offense taken,” Zane replied.
“Great! Now can I get everyone something to drink? Or something to eat as well?”
“Do you have any fruit?” Zane asked.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Thankfully for everyone, Jasmine had enough apples and bananas to keep Zane busy, and she calmed down on the touchy-feely-shoutyness. She and Stacey ordered a couple of pizzas and whilst they waited for them to arrive they put on some music and had a vodka or two. Stacey knew Jasmine didn’t deliberately want to upset her relationship with Zane. It was just her nature to want to steal the limelight from whoever else was in the room.
Zane was very quiet. No doubt, Jasmine’s overbearing presence didn’t sit well with him. Nevertheless he did not voice any complaints he might have had. He wasn’t unkind in the least. Stacey appreciated that. It was good to see both of her friends getting along. The new, and the old.
But things were about to get out of hand.
Fast.
Soon after the pizzas were delivered and they were halfway through their meal, there was a knock at the front door. Stacey shot Jasmine a glare to which she shrugged, “I’m not expecting anyone.”
She got up and went out into the hall to answer it.
“You seem troubled,” Zane remarked. “Why is that?”
“It’s nothing,” Stacey lied.
Then she heard it. The sound of his voice traveling down the hallway.
Dennis Whiley. Jasmine’s brother.
Stacey’s ex-boyfriend.
Go away, go away, go away…
Zane stood from his chair.
Dennis entered the kitchen, an odd expression already etched on rugged his face. He looked from the pizzas to Stacey to Zane and said, “No one told me you were having a party.”
“It’s not a party,” Jasmine said coming in from behind him. “We’re just hanging out.”
Dennis set his six pack of bourbon and cola cans on the table, and shoved a cigarette in his mouth. Opened his lighter. Lit the smoke. Snapped the lighter shut and put it away.
He pointed a finger at Stacey. “You’re supposed to be locked up. Dragon’s Island or something.”
“Firebound Island,” Zane corrected.
“Bud, don’t interrupt me when I’m talking to my girlfriend,” Dennis shot back. Then to Stacey: “So how’d you get out? They overturn the conviction or what?”
Stacey’s mouth was frozen. She couldn’t speak.
Zane looked to Jasmine. “Introduce me.”
“Huh?”
“To him.”
“Oh,” she murmured. “Dennis, this is Zane, Stacey’s … Dragon Keeper. Zane this is my brother –”
“Dragon huh?” Dennis said stepping forward. “You kidding me right?”
Zane shook his head. “Not kidding.”
“What am I … supposed to be impressed with that? Scared of you or something? Cause I ain’t.”
“You know Stacey,” Zane remarked.
“Yeah. A little bit. We hook up every now and again. When I feel like it. When I’m in the mood.” Dennis shot Stacey a glance. “She certainly wouldn’t spread those precious legs for anyone else.”
Zane’s eyes lit up with a colorful rage and he grabbed Dennis by the throat and hurled him across the kitchen, all the way into the lounge.
He landed on the carpet, seemingly unharmed. Just a little dazed.
Zane went to go after him, but Stacey grabbed hold of him.
“Don’t hurt him,” she said. “You can’t.”
Zane threw her hands away angrily. He pushed past Jasmine and marched into the lounge to confront Dennis.
“Alright, alright,” Dennis was saying. “Sorry man. Didn’t mean to insult anyone.”
Zane watched him carefully.
“No need to worry about me, everyone,” Dennis called out. “I’m fine. Enjoy your pizza and everything. I’ll go now.”
He got to his feet and brushed past Zane.
“Just let me get my cans and I’ll be out of your way.”
Dennis picked up the cans from the table, and then in a split second lobbed the entire pack in Zane’s direction. He then whipped out a gun and put it to Stacey’s head.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Jasmine cried over Stacey’s surprised scream.
“Just back away,” Dennis said to Zane. “Get the fuck out of the house. I’ll fucking waste the bitch, I don’t care.”
Zane eyed him menacingly, pondering his next move.
“Last chance,” Dennis said ramming the butt of the gun into Stacey’s skull.
“Oh my God,” Jasmine said, tearfully. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m going,” Zane said to Dennis. “Just promise you won’t hurt her.”
“I’m not gonna hurt her,” Dennis laughed. “I fucking love the slut. Now get the fuck out before I change my mind.”
Stacey looked to Zane, who whilst backing away, seemed
utterly devastated.
Go, she mouthed at him.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Zane stepped out of the house.
He couldn’t believe it. Just couldn’t.
He’d been outsmarted by a sniveling human. And barely a man he was at that. Zane had watched his mannerisms and hopeless insanity he carried around with him, and of course he hadn’t been concerned. Because at the snap of his fingers he could blow the guy’s face apart.
And it was unfortunate, but even if there had been the opportunity, Blossom would not have wished him to do such a thing. Even if it had meant escape for them.
Zane understood it. The bond the humans had with each other. It was misguided, disillusioned and could lead to disastrous results, as it did here … But that didn’t change the fact that once upon a time, that asshole in there had made Blossom happy.
Zane didn’t want to turn away. He couldn’t abandon his beloved. What were his options though? Could he just sit out here waiting for the guy to leave? That could be tomorrow morning for all he knew. After he’d had his way with Blossom. Zane couldn’t stomach it. If not for her sake, then for his. This was ugly. This was horrible.
What was he to do?
Zane breathed in a deep sigh.
He knew what he had to. But it was going to be bad for them in a whole other way.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The gun was thankfully stuffed back in Dennis’s jeans, as he reached across the table and dug into the pizza on display. Stacey sat next to him, shivering.
“You’re a fucking idiot, Dennis,” Jasmine scolded.
“Shut up,” Dennis barked.
“That guy isn’t going to forget this. He’s going to come after you.”
“He wouldn’t want to.”
“Why? Because you have a gun? You think that worries him?”
“No, because I have Stacey,” Dennis laughed.
“I won’t let you leave this house with her,” Jasmine stated. “You’ll have to fucking kill me.”
“Oh shut the fuck up. Just fucking chill out alright. It’s all a fucking joke anyway.”
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